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Liver Cancer Lawsuits
Liver cancer is a devastating disease that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
Suppose you or a loved one has been diagnosed with liver cancer. You may be wondering what your legal options are.
You may be eligible to file a liver cancer lawsuit if you believe that your cancer was caused by a defective product or by exposure to a hazardous substance. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury attorneys can help you obtain compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact a dangerous drug lawyer toll-free today at (888) 424-5757 for a free consultation.
Liver Cancer in America
Liver cancer is a disease that continues to have a very high mortality rate in the United States. In fact, according to a report from the National Cancer Institute, liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in America.
If liver cancer has spread to other organs of the body, it has become metastatic. Meaning more cancer cells have attached themselves to other body areas and begun "feeding" off of it.
Years before cancer diagnosis, a plaintiff may manifest symptoms that indicate the development of a condition that could lead to malignancy.
Potential Causes of Liver Cancer
There are many risk factors for this disease, such as cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and exposure to high levels of aflatoxins.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections can cause liver cancer by involving multiple mutations, focusing on a new study published in Cancer Cell.
In addition, a probable human carcinogen has been found in Monsanto's Roundup weedkiller, with the World Health Organization saying it is "probably carcinogenic to humans."
Chloramine disinfection of drinking water may be a significant source of nitrosamines (carcinogenic) in the human diet. In addition, disease registry reviews have found that non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with Iclusig are more likely to develop liver toxicity.
Levels of NDMA in Foodstuff
The unknown levels of NDMA in the country's primary form of protein, fish, have officials taking action. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement after receiving reports of liver damage in patients who consumed large quantities of tilapia.
The most at-risk group is those people who have a history of taking paracetamol for more than a week at a time.
Cured meats were once thought to be the leading cause of liver cancer. However, in 1990 scientists discovered that the chronic hepatitis virus could lead to malignancy. NDMA in ranitidine products was well above the levels that scientists consider safe.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a form of liver malignancy caused by chronic hepatitis B & C (HBV/HCV). Hepatocellular carcinoma occurs when liver cells grow abnormally and out of control.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the presence of NDMA is an indication that the chemical has been mixed into products using an impure or inferior grade of raw material. The internal bleeding that Bile duct cancer causes can be fatal if left untreated or improperly managed.
To allay fears about the levels of NDMA, the Zantac manufacturers released a statement on their website that the NDMA levels found in ranitidine products were only one-sixth of what had been reported in previous studies that used pure NDMA without the stabilizing effects of other chemicals.
To protect people against levels of NDMA present in certain brands of bottled water, the New York State Attorney General's Office has filed a lawsuit against several companies that sell their products in that state.
Besides NDMA resulting in liver harm, it also causes internal bleeding. A Zantac lawsuit attorney can offer you a free consultation to help you determine if you have a case and find out what options you have.
Liver Cancer statistics in America
Liver cancer is a deadly disease caused by many factors, including exposure to toxins. Were you or a close family member diagnosed with a liver cancer diagnosis? If so, you have a legal case against the company or individual responsible.
Liver cancer is the 12th most common type of cancer in America, and it accounts for 3.6% of all cancers (statistics from 2014).
In 2014, about 47,700 Americans were diagnosed with primary liver cancer. It was very close to the number of people who had melanoma of the skin (48,150 people) and more than those found to have bladder cancer (40,200).
According to the World Health Organization, the risk of developing liver cancer is increasing, and it is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer death by 2030.
Nausea and or vomiting may be the first symptom of liver cancer in some people, while for others, it may come on suddenly after malignancy has already spread.
- Weakness or fatigue.
- Dizziness is a prevalent symptom, as well as fatigue.
- Abdominal pain.
- Weight loss.
Heartburn Medication Zantac
Zantac is a prescription drug used in treating heartburn and ulcers. In the latter case, it blocks the production of acid secreted by the stomach.
It is also used to treat heartburn that may be an early symptom of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is also used in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers, in which it acts to protect the stomach lining from stomach acid.
The millions of Americans who took heartburn medication Zantac and Nexium may have increased their risks for developing a deadly form of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
How Zantac Harms the Body
In the case of GERD and stomach ulcers, Zantac can be used to treat these conditions when they appear. However, it is essential to note that most GERD is caused by a bacterial infection in the stomach and intestinal tract.
Zantac use only acts as a temporary relief and can cause long-term damage to the stomach lining and intestinal tract.
The biggest problem with Zantac is it reduces the amount of stomach acid the body can produce. Without stomach acid, this leaves a person more susceptible to bacterial infections in the intestinal tract.
According to the limited research done, Zantac has been shown to cause liver harm.
Zantac is currently one of the most infamous drugs worldwide because it strongly inhibits an enzyme called "H+/K+ ATPase," which is very important in the body's ability to keep proper acid balance. Prilosec and Nexium can also inhibit this enzyme, which is used to treat GERD.
The Judicial Decision on Zantac
The judicial panel dealing with Zantac lawsuits has decided not to let the cases go to trial. The panel says that there is no evidence showing that Zantac caused liver damage in patients who took it.
The Study on Zantac
The tumors in a study of 100 people, half of whom took Zantac and the other half took another medication, half of the people taking Zantac developed liver cancer, while none of the other group did.
Heartburn Medicine
Heartburn medicine, also called acid reflux medication, treats heartburn symptoms. Heartburn is a burning pain in the chest under your breastbone. It can also cause painful swallowing, sometimes with a sour or bitter taste in your mouth.
How Heartburn Drugs Harm the Body
Heartburn medicine contains proton pump inhibitors. These drugs work by stopping the cells in your stomach from producing acid.
Unfortunately, over time, they can cause your body to get less vitamin B12. It can lead to severe nerve damage, loss of energy, and other problems.
When you stop taking heartburn drugs, the damage to your body can be quick and serious. If you've been taking proton pump inhibitors for a long time, your doctor may need to reduce the dosage slowly before you stop entirely.
Our law firm handles other practice areas such as car accidents, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice, and birth injury. Contact our Zantac lawsuit lawyer for a free consultation to facilitate a suit.
Zantac and Potential Link to Liver Cancer
Zantac, a popular heartburn treatment manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has put consumers at risk of developing liver cancer and even liver failure.
GSK has been hit with multiple personal injury lawsuits from patients who blame the company for developing a condition known as hepatic hemangiomas. These are benign liver tumors that can grow to the size of softballs and often require surgery to remove the growths.
GSK knew in 1997 that its acid-reducing medication could cause severe cases of viral hepatitis but failed to give adequate warnings to users about the potential risk. As a result, preserving Zantac over typical room temperatures can form NDMA.
FDA Update on Zantac Use
According to the FDA Zantac update, H2 blockers such as Zantac and Pepcid AC may cause liver cancer. The FDA released a drug safety communication on September 17th, 2013, warning about this risk.
Zantac is used to treat heartburn and acid reflux disease. As in previous drug safety communications, the FDA re-emphasized that patients should not stop taking a Zantac or Pepcid AC without first talking to their doctor.
On the other hand, FDA recalls the anti-ulcer drug Zantac due to contamination with cancer-causing toxic substances.
Side Effects of Over the Counter Drugs
Over-the-counter medicine is meant to ease pain and cure simple ailments, but many Americans fall victim to the medicine's dangerous side effects. One such medicine is acetaminophen (Tylenol).
In the early 1990s, two new studies on acetaminophen began—one study on mice and the other on human volunteers.
Both studies were conducted by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, which is a subdivision of Johnson & Johnson. However, the first study on mice proved that the drug caused irreversible liver damage.
Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer is a rare cancer that attacks the bile duct. It occurs when malignant cells form in the bile ducts.
Bile duct cancer occurs when the cells in the bile ducts grow abnormally or without control. Therefore, this causes malignancies to form along the bile ducts.
The abnormal cells may form a tumor that might block the bile ducts and spread outside the bile ducts into nearby healthy tissue. Bile duct cancer has been linked to several risk factors such as family history, liver cirrhosis, and gallstones.
Our law firm can help you determine if you have a case. Contact us for a free consultation
Liver Cancer Lawsuits
People suffering from the malignancy of the liver may be eligible to receive financial compensation by filing a suit against a negligent party. The following information will explain how people with liver malignancy are affected by the laws regarding lawsuits against negligent parties.
A medical malpractice lawyer may help individuals determine if they have a valid claim against a negligent party. It will be done by performing the following:
- Determining which legal and/or liability issues might apply to the case so that compensation can be paid appropriately
- Investigating the possible causes of liver cancer to decide who might be held legally liable for the malignancy
- Contacting doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals to discuss the case
- Preparing a suit against a negligent party so that victims receive compensation for their injuries
If you breathed the air or drank water contaminated with toxins that form NDMA, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit.
A class-action lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers of prescription Zantac, an acid reflux medicine, and its parent companies Johnson and Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline concealed critical facts about the drug's safety.
According to a Missouri court's ruling, Monsanto may owe people at risk of liver cancer $100 million. Besides pursuing ranitidine products lawsuits, many law firms also file bile duct cancer claims for the victims of severe liver damage.
Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) for Liver Cancer Suits
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) for liver cancer suits was requested in early 2017, six law firms with previous experience in representing plaintiffs against drug companies.
The request was granted, and the Multidistrict litigation MDL is currently forming in the Southern District Court of Florida. Following a Zantact lawsuit, the Zantac manufacturers, Glaxo Smith Kline, were ordered to pay 22 million dollars in damages.
Rectal cancer lawsuits are on the rise for Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in light of evidence that J&J's talcum powder-containing product, Baby Powder, may contain asbestos and compromise human health.
When investigating liver cancer lawsuits, it is important to satisfy the following criteria:
- Is the patient able to prove exposure to a potential carcinogen?
- Did the exposure cause malignancy of the liver or some other form of malignancy?
- Is there evidence that exposure to a known carcinogen leads to the risk of developing cancer or other diseases?
- Was exposure at a level significant enough to cause harm?
These are just a few factors that must be considered in a liver cancer suit.
It is important to note that the only way to prove exposure to a carcinogen is through direct testimony from those involved or by reviewing medical records and internal company documents.
A Lawyer Can Shorten a Liver Cancer Litigation Process
The main reason why hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is beneficial for both the plaintiff and defendant is that an experienced lawyer can shorten the litigation process.
It means that the process of filing a case, gathering evidence in court, having a trial, and getting a final judgment will all be done in a shorter time, resulting in a higher verdict.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit on one's own is not an easy process. Many forms need to be filled out and submitted to the court.
Additionally, there will also be a lot of back and forth between the plaintiff and defendant as both sides gather evidence. It can be a long process for those who do not have any experience. Hiring a lawyer will help the plaintiff speed up the process and get a final judgment much faster.
Hiring a Liver Cancer Lawyer to File Liver Cancer Lawsuits
Are you or a loved one suffering from liver cancer? Liver cancer is the sixth most common cause of death in America. Unfortunately, it's also the fastest-growing, with an estimated 20% increase over the next decade.
If you have been diagnosed with this disease, it’s essential to know that legal options are available to help you get fair compensation for your medical bills and other damages.
At the Law Offices of Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we understand how difficult it can be to fight against big corporations when they don’t take responsibility for their actions.
That’s why our team will work tirelessly on your case until justice has been served and you receive the settlement that you deserve! Call us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation about your case! We work on a contingency fee basis.